Many patients living with a chronic condition will be able to buy 2 months’ worth (60-days’) of common PBS-listed medicines for the price of a single prescription, rather than the current 1 month’s supply. The change also means that patients will need fewer appointments with their GP for a repeat prescription.

When will the changes be made?

Implementation will be between 1 September 2023 through until 1 September 2024.

Which medications will be included?

The list of PBS medicines recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) as being suitable. This includes some medicines for chronic conditions such as for:

• Asthma
• breast cancer
• cardiovascular disease
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• constipation
• chronic renal failure
• Crohn’s disease
• depression
• diabetes
• endometriosis
• endometrial cancer
• epilepsy
• glaucoma and dry eyes
• gout
• heart failure
• high cholesterol
• hormonal replacement and modulation therapy
• hypertension
• osteoporosis
• Parkinson disease
• ulcerative colitis.

How do I know if my medication is included?

Your GP can advise you if you are eligible for 60 day scripts for your medication. You can continue to use your existing prescription until your last repeat is filled.

A reminder about E-scripts

Most medicines can be prescribed using an electronic prescription. During your consultation with your doctor, you can choose to get your prescription via SMS or email. You will receive a message with a link to your electronic prescription. Your script is stored on your digital device, so you can access it whenever you’re ready. You won't need to worry about carrying paper or losing your scripts